Daniel R. Hall

McConaughey - the new Keanu

Reviewed: 03-26-21

Ripping the closet sorry off and telling all, Matthew seems to be preparing himself for a more public life. Fun stories and interesting insights. I didn't necessarily agree with everything, but that's not the point. Cerebral, humorous, yet with humility.

It's not for everyone, but recommended to all.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Solid beginning to a cliche filled ending

Reviewed: 05-29-15

Is there anything you would change about this book?

As an actual gamer, I found this book at first intriguing.

What was most disappointing about Ernest Cline’s story?

It is filled with cliche after cliche. The main character stumbles into every answer or has practiced something '150 times', so he never has a problem with anything.Perfect game of Pac-man (check), beating an AI in Joust on your first try (check), knowing every line of War games (check), infiltrate the largest computer corporation and hack their intranet (check). It get's to the point of being ridiculous. Every time the Wade had to do something, I literally rolled my eyes because I knew, "he's got this".

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't know if I had a favorite scene. Most of the good was ruined 1/4 into the book.

Could you see Ready Player One being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Could it be a movie? Maybe. Most movies are cliche anyway, so why not?

Any additional comments?

It was painful for me to finish. I had to actually force myself to do it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Probably a good book, done in by a poor reader

Reviewed: 05-06-15

Would you try another book from Brandon Sanderson and/or James Yaegashi?

Brandon Sanderson, Yes. James Yaegashi, No.

Would you be willing to try another book from Brandon Sanderson? Why or why not?

Yes, but this was quite a deviation of his other books. It was too Shakespearean for me, but unfortunately, not in a good way.

How could the performance have been better?

A different reader probably would have made the book tolerable for me. I can't describe how bad James Yaegashi is.

Could you see Warbreaker being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I can't say. I couldn't get past the first few chapters.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Holy Metaphor, Batman!

Reviewed: 05-06-15

Would you try another book from Patrick Rothfuss and/or Nick Podehl?

Not sure at this point. While the interaction and conversations were well told and somewhat engaging, I could not get around nearly every description having a metaphor.

Would you recommend The Name of the Wind to your friends? Why or why not?

In it's current state, no. Not that I'm an editor or reviewer, but if 95% of the metaphors were gone, i'm quite sure it would be a good book

What three words best describe Nick Podehl’s performance?

He did well, but it was the author's use of metaphors that turned me off.

Did The Name of the Wind inspire you to do anything?

Stop listening unfortunately. Patrick Rothfuss tried to be a little too intelligent and added way too much fluff.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Should not be missed!

Reviewed: 11-29-09

A few words sum this book up. Engaging, scary, fun, thought provoking. While some of the voice acting is questionable, the overall sum/story makes this a great read. I am a true believer in the unabridged, and I really wanted to keep hearing more. I have listened to this 4 times!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Not for the faint of heart.....

Reviewed: 01-29-09

A deep introspective of a brilliant writer. Dick causes confusion, induces humor and grips you with truth. Paul Giamatti does an admirable job, but I get the feeling he didn't read the book before performing it. Although some of the characters sound the same, he still does a worthwhile job. Dick though, hit everything right on the spot, take out the bell bottom references and this easily could be present day. But, the book can be so strange at times, that I really don't know who to recommend it to. So, as the title states, it is very dark. At times it can almost satire like too. I guess it's a dark, trippy, mystery satire.....

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Worth the time!

Reviewed: 01-23-09

I was a little apprehensive at first. I tried to block out of my mind the Tolkien comparisons and that was hard at first. The beginning was very rough for me, as the narrator takes time getting used to. He is very bland and monotone at first (at first I stress). But, by the middle, you can feel the characters being fleshed out. And, as the book moved along and more characters started getting developed, I really started to enjoy it. The well written book has details in spades to its characters and landscape. Some might think it's too much, but I think exactly the opposite. The way the story is told really draws you in and makes you feel as if you were there (that's nerdy, but true). All in all, very well done, however the climax was a little meh for me.

*** for the first 1/3
***** for the last 2/3

Bottom line, give this book a chance and don't judge it by the first couple chapters. You won't regret it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

21 people found this helpful

Good God!

Reviewed: 01-05-09

I only knew Neil Gaiman from his work in The Sandman comics, and even then my knowledge was pretty limited. However, knowing the acclaim he has gotten for his work, I decided to give American Gods a read. It's weird and it's strange, but it's also very engaging. The characters and scenes came to life very easily and that could be attributed to the reading of George Guidall. He is one of the best I have heard so far and he was able to convince me that every character that I heard was very different indeed. I give the book itself a ****, but I add another * for the excellent reading. If there's one Neil Gaiman book you buy, start here.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

17 people found this helpful

One of the best!

Reviewed: 01-05-09

Ender's Game is one heck of a ride. Brilliantly told and very well narrated. There's not much more to say as to not spoil it. This is definitely an essential must have for any type of reader. You won't regret it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Only So So.....

Reviewed: 01-05-09

I had high hopes going into this. I didn't remember reading this in High School and Greek mythology interests me. Honestly, I ended up being somewhat disappointed. While it was great in some parts with a lot of interest, there were large parts of what I can only term as fluff. The beginning and end really hampered the story for me, while the middle was truly enjoyable. I could be wrong and this is a good translation of an interesting myth and I just don't know how to appreciate it. In truth, it's probably best to seek out an abridged version as that will keep your interest piqued.

On another note, the narrator is more than admirable. The comparison to Sean Connery is there and he reads with very well pronounced words and feeling behind him.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful